Holiday Tree Lighting Postponed Until Thursday

Santa Claus is coming to town a little later than expected. 

Springfield's annual holiday lighting ceremony, scheduled for today at 6 p.m., has been postponed until Thursday, Dec. 8 due to today's rainy weather. 

Township Recreation Department Director Michael Tennaro announced the delay shortly after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The department had been anticipating a possible delay for the event earlier this week, noting that rain was predicted for today. 

Tennaro noted in an email that this is the first time the event has been delayed in 15 years. 

The tree lighting is a cornerstone event for the Springfield community. In past years, Springfield's chapter of the Firefighter's Mutual Benevolant Association and the First Aid squad have provided refreshments and local scouting troops have provided entertainment. 

Besides the lighting of the large pine tree in front of town hall by Mountain Ave., the highlight of the holiday show is when Santa Claus pops up on the top of town hall and travels down a fire engine ladder to hear Christmas wishes from boys and girls on the ground below.